The Crushing Weight of Parental Rejection — Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World

Villars writes to Evelina from Berry Hill on 21 May and tells her not to be depressed by a stroke of fortune for which she is not responsible. No breach of duty on her part incurred the unkindness, and no imprudence provoked censure. He urges the courage her innocence ought to give, and he asks her to keep what affliction she allows herself for the father only. That father lacks her support, and he must one day feel how much he wants it.

The hint Belmont threw out about Villars is wholly unintelligible to him. His heart acquits him of vice, though he has never pronounced himself without blemish. If anything later appears that he contributed to the misfortunes they lament, he will be more astonished than his friends. Talk of future applications he might make is equally beyond him. He will not dwell on what would wound a heart formed for filial tenderness. An air of mystery runs through the letter, and he will await the explanation in silence.

Madame Duval's scheme is what he expects from a woman little used to disappointment, and incapable of considering how delicate Evelina's situation is. Her reluctance pleases him, because it matches his own. He wishes Duval would travel alone. Then he and his child might return to the quiet she alone has interrupted. If she will not take a refusal by letter, he will give it in person. His wish for Evelina's return sharpens when he reads of Sir Clement's visit. He is little surprised by the perseverance, and much hurt that she was exposed to addresses which, by their privacy, shock him. Reserve will not do. If Willoughby again solicits her favour in private, her disdain must be marked enough to change his behaviour. Should that visit be repeated while she remains at the Grove, Lady Howard must pardon him if he shortens her stay.